Patient-monitoring bed covering device

Claim 1

A bed covering device adapted to cover a mattress and detect urination and movement of a person lying thereupon, said device being adapted for use with a monitoring device capable of detecting closed- and open- circuit conditions and suitably recording signals and alarming an attendant, said bed covering device comprising: a) a fitted bedsheet having a perimeter adapted to embrace the edges of said mattress, b) a waterproof compliant detection sheet having upper and lower surfaces and a border attached to said fitted bedsheet adjacent the perimeter thereof, said detection sheet adapted to be interposed between said fitted sheet and said person, c) compliant flat moisture detection means removably associated with the upper surface of said detection sheet, said detection means having electrical characteristics that change upon contact with an aqueous fluid, d) compliant flat pressure sensitive means disposed upon the lower surface of said detection sheet for detecting compressive force exerted by said person, and e) electrical connector means emergent from said moisture detection means and said pressure sensitive means and configured to connect in modular fashion with said monitoring device and alarm.